Spiritual Development & Growth
Some parents have bought into the idea that their child’s spiritual development is such a personal matter that no attempt should be made to influence the direction the child chooses. This is a serious mistake.
While your child must ultimately decide on her own whether or not she will begin and nurture a relationship with God, you have not only an opportunity but a responsibility to teach and demonstrate the spiritual principles that are the foundation of your family life.
So how do you communicate spiritual truths and moral values to a three- or four-year-old? Can she conceive of an infinite God or understand theology or sit through a religious service? Both Old and New Testaments address this quite plainly:
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.”
Luke 18:16-17 “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.”
For Further Information:
Spiritual Development of Children
At this site you can view/listen to information related to the spiritual development of children. You will find practical information that can help you point your child toward truth. [Family Life]
Spiritual Growth for Kids
This website has practical information related to the spiritual growth of children. You will find helpful articles on topics such as mealtime devotions and serving as a family. [Focus on the Family]
Additional Articles
Shepherding Our Child’s Image of God Podcast
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Teaching Our Children: What is God like? Webinar
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Questions for Parents to Ask Kids
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